**Acknowledgements**

*Goats (Capra) - From Ancient to Modern*

semen from the best bucks is usual.

matic milk feeders.

grazing [19–20].

**6. Conclusions**

would be a possible growth strategy.

(meat, dairy, dual purpose) and environmental resources.

**5.5 Extensive systems**

**5.4 Semi-extensive systems**

cation systems to record individual milk production.

The minimum number of heads is around 300, with a mean milk production of 400 liters per lactation. They have milking parlors, usually with electronic identifi-

From a reproductive point of view, these farmers are integrated in a breeders' association, under a genetic improvement plan, where artificial insemination with

Kids are like a by-product, and they contribute to around 20% of the income of the farm. Colostrum is provided by esophageal cannulas and kids are fed by auto-

These farms are based on the production of kid meat, but goats are also milked for up to 5–7 months, so that they use dual-purpose breeds. Kids are reared by their

The reproductive calendar follows in general one kidding per year, although

Traditionally, farms under this semi-extensive program are located in two different geographical areas: mountains and valleys. Goat farms in the mountainous areas have a higher number of heads (>100) and grazing in communal pastures. Animals receive an energy supplement at the end of pregnancy and during lactation. Milking used to be manual. Lowland farms are smaller (25–50 females), using in general by-products from the industry as a supplementary feeding to

Extensive farms are based on a natural land use, with a low amount of external income and with grazing as the main food resource for the animals. In general,

The main goal of these farms is the production of young animals as described in Section 3.2. However, sometimes, very traditional farmers milk their goats for

This system includes small farms (150–200 goats), located in mountain areas, with limited/old facilities. Usually, housing is only overnight in rustic/old buildings.

In Spain, the goat sector has the potential to continue growing. At a national level the development of several certified products with quality trades/labels on meat or on elaborated products such as cheeses would allow increases and improvements to production, the value of the products and globally breeders recognition, profitability, and income. Also exportation of Spanish goat milk or meat to other countries together with higher and more common or traditional goat consumption

The high genetic variability of breeds has been identified and characterized in the Spanish goat population. Each one has been adapted to the conditions of the rearing region and specific production systems according to their main aptitude

mothers, and after weaning start manual or mechanical milking.

farmers rear autochthonous breeds, well adapted to these areas [9].

The flock is accompanied by the shepherd, with around 0.5–2 goats/ha. The reproductive system is limited to one kidding per year.

1–2 months to manufacture small amounts of cheese.

some farmers try to reach three kidding seasons in 2 years.

**38**

The authors thank the Spanish Goat Breeders' Associations and individual breeders that have collaborated on the diverse departmental projects developed over the last few decades.
